As a stunt coordinator on student films from nearly every film school in NYC and guest lecturer at the School of Visual Arts Masters in Directing program, our co-host Stephen Koepfer has noticed that up-and-coming filmmakers seem to be more attracted to practical action than ever before. This seems contrary to what one might assume to be the case in today’s film industry.

There is a weird paradox in the action filmmaking community. Practical action has never been more popular. It is actively used to promote and market big budget productions. Behind the scenes videos go viral on social media. As a result more people are trying to become stunt performers than ever before. Young filmmakers are craving practical action. Yet simultaneously, existing performers in the industry are petrified of being replaced by digital stunt doubles, generative AI, declining numbers of productions, etc. So, we wanted to dig into the issue of practical vs. AI and the future of action film.

To do so we invited a group of emerging filmmakers on the show. Joining us on are Darren Tun and Jeffrey Colangelo of Code 10-10, the NYC stunt team that won the 2025 installment of 87 North’s prestigious Stunt Design Showdown. Also on the show are Bryan Uvaldo and Amanda Whyte. Bryan’s NYU thesis film, Playin’ Around, took best stunt performance at the Art of Movie Making Film Festival as well as honors from other festivals. These accolades are due in very large part to Amanda’s incredible performance in the film. Together we peer into the mind of these emerging filmmakers and answer the question: What is the future of action?

MENTIONS:

Feeding America Drive: https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/participants/NYCombatSambo

Code 10-10’s 87 North Stunt design Showdown winning previs: https://youtu.be/_jtwMLJ4RY8?si=GCPSUPBcBFIiKS6Q

Variety Magazine’s Stunt Showdown coverage: https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/pete-davidson-david-leitch-stunt-design-showdown-1236563986/

Playin’ Around. TAMMIES winning NYU thesis film: https://youtu.be/_W2Kq_nPOPg?si=iBbSAkc6pLiHcHhE

Playin’ Around website: https://www.bryanuvaldo.com/directorial/playin-around

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

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Steve’s Instagram:

Laiko Foroughi has been stunt-doubling Christina Chong (La'an Noonien-Singh) on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for the run of the show. She joins us on Film Fights with Friends to break down the epic dance-fight scene with Spock in S3 Ep8 (a throwback to the Spock vs Khan fight in Star Trek Into Darkness). Laiko is a career martial artist, stunt performer, and actor who has also appeared in What We Do in the Shadows, Gen V, The Handmaid's Tale, Murderbot, The Boys, Scream VI and many other productions. She is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and part of the 2017 & 2018 Canadian National Taekwondo Teams. No stranger to dance herself, Laiko has over a decade of competitive dance experience. She trained at CDM (Conservatory of Dance & Music) for 10 years, was a dance Major at Earl Haig Secondary School, and has trained Ballet (RAD Intermediate), Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre.

MENTIONS:

Laiko IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11346671/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Dance/Fight with Spock: https://youtu.be/otCoTJxQ0NY?si=Km0zlGzE9mtlLbxR

Pakleds (scavenger) fight scene with Pike: https://youtu.be/h1hoEoT-Vmg?si=-7yBLU5hn_af6c7b (sorry for the fan voiceover edit)

Strange New Worlds S3 stunts BTS video: https://youtu.be/irkyXKTmY8M?si=ZVB6Qg585VqgD2gQ

Spock vs Kahn Fight from Star Trek: Into Darkness: https://youtu.be/b690L5LhKSQ?si=h5N_T4b-dzFRN_Ha

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

Do you listen to our show as an audio podcast? Give video a try. Subscribe to our Youtube for the video version with awesome behind the scenes pics and video! https://www.youtube.com/@FilmFightsFriendsPod?sub_confirmation=1

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Instagram: http://instagram.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Facebook: http://facebook.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Steve’s Instagram: http://Instagram.com/sambosteve

Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepfer

Paul’s on Instagram: http://Instagram.com/KravMagaChef

Paul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: http://Instagram.com/breakfallstunts

SPONSORS

Stunt Contact

https://stuntcontact.com/

Stunt Access

Walker Hare is an actor and filmmaker who has appeared in Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 (2023), Artist Unknown (2024), The Sinner (2020) and most recently HBO Max’s Task and Netflix’s Black Rabbit. In episode 7 of Black Rabbit, Walker performs in a brutal fight scene, which is the starting point of our interview. We break down that scene from script to screen, how his Black Rabbit role related to his Artist Unknown role, his overall experience on the show, and his acting career. Our co-host Paul is also a career chef with an extensive history working in the NYC restaurant scene. We go into some of the parallels between Black Rabbit’s story arc and actual tragic events in the NYC restaurant world. Walker is also the producer and co-star of 2ND-C, an upcoming science fiction action film born out of the pandemic.

MENTIONS:

Film Fights With Friends/Breakfall Studios Holiday Work Out, Mixer and Movie Night: https://www.patreon.com/posts/winter-open-and-138453493

Walker Hare IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3017401/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Black Rabbit Trailer: https://youtu.be/ueNsPJgWNAg?si=bfDfx3HE66BHhOCa

Task Trailer: https://youtu.be/irkyXKTmY8M?si=ZVB6Qg585VqgD2gQ

Artist Unknown on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24329424/reference/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Touring the Black Rabbit set with Architectural Digest: https://youtu.be/JplgCQ1gTLs?si=PQ3hvID8WCDeQExm

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

Do you listen to our show as an audio podcast? Give video a try. Subscribe to our Youtube for the video version with awesome behind the scenes pics and video! https://www.youtube.com/@FilmFightsFriendsPod?sub_confirmation=1

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Join our e-mail list! Hit us up here: fightingwithfriendspod@gmail.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Facebook: http://facebook.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Steve’s Instagram: http://Instagram.com/sambosteve

Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepfer

Paul’s on Instagram: http://Instagram.com/KravMagaChef

Paul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: http://Instagram.com/breakfallstunts

SPONSORS

Stunt Contact (use discount code FFWFPOD for 25%...

Evelyn Vaccaro is an actor and stunt performer known for her work in John Wick 3 (2019), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), The Naked Gun (2025), and countless television programs including Endgame (2022), Outer Banks (2021) and her 2025 Emmy Award nominated fire burn on FBI: Most Wanted.

Dancing, horseback riding, snowboarding are just a few of her skills. However, she is known for her expertise in water stunts and safety. An avid lover of extreme sports, she thrives on physically exhilarating adventures, rarely turning down a challenge. Evelyn is also a wildlife fanatic and has dedicated much of her life to working with animals and aquatic life. Her love for animals started early in life having spent many summers on a 250-acre farm where she learned how to ride horses, care for farm animals and camp. She is an avid Potcake dog rescuer, advocate of conservation, has made several trips to the Caribbean on rescue missions, and travelled to South Africa to explore many game reserves.

Behind the camera, Evelyn is as a Producer and Director with vast experience documentary filmmaking, video production, marketing, and multimedia production. After having helped originate the story line concept she was contracted as a Producer and Creative Consultant on Beyonce’s 'Star Power' video game. Evelyn created the 'If the Earth Could Speak' song and music video which she co-wrote and co-produced for Childfund International. Extremely close to her heart are her award-winning animal rescue documentaries It’s a Potcake Life (2016) and For Sato’s Sake (2023).

MENTIONS:

Film Fights With Friends/Breakfall Studios Holiday Work Out, Mixer and Movie Night: https://www.patreon.com/posts/winter-open-and-138453493

Evelyn Vacarro IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0882859/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

FBI Most Wanted Fire Burn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4PZcN07oGs

Evelyn’s Water work reel : https://vimeo.com/918016731?share=copy

Stunt Reel: https://vimeo.com/280004998?share=copy

Driving Reel: https://vimeo.com/741139097?share=copy

It’s a Potcake Life Documentary: https://youtu.be/5y1W_5dZhp4?si=FCRkoj1Jge2nxxiF

Circle of Strength Documentary: https://youtu.be/VOzQAZDINLY?si=oqLj_ikMRWXKVTu5

For Sato’s Sake Documentary Trailer: https://youtu.be/lfXk9CJSp2E?si=EvZYbVjMFmXfSba1

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

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Dig the show? Consider supporting our Patreon. There are some cool perks!

“How do I get into stunts?” The eternal question anyone working in the stunt business will be faced with repeatedly. The question often leaves us in a predicament. After all, we don’t want to crush anyone’s dreams. Everyone should be able to try making a living how they want. Having said that, there is no one path, quick fix or cheat code for getting into this business. What is very clear, however, is what NOT to do if you want to become a stunt performer. The simple fact is that people who ask advice often don’t want the unvarnished truth and disregard advice given. They want fast tracks. We working performers generally end up assessing how truthful we want to be when asked this question, if we want to answer it at all. We want to encourage but also be real. In this episode we are joined by stunt performer Anthony Hoang to offer up some hard truths and discussion about getting into the industry. Not meant to discourage, but to present a realistic picture of just how tough this business is – and what NOT to do if you are trying to break in.

MENTIONS:

Film Fights With Friends/Breakfall Studios Holiday Work Out, Mixer and Movie Night: https://www.patreon.com/posts/winter-open-and-138453493

Anthony Hoang IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4561199/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

Do you listen to our show as an audio podcast? Give video a try. Subscribe to our Youtube for the video version with awesome behind the scenes pics and video! https://www.youtube.com/@FilmFightsFriendsPod?sub_confirmation=1

Dig the show? Consider supporting our Patreon. There are some cool perks! http://patreon.com/FilmFightsFriendsPodcast

Join our e-mail list! Hit us up here: fightingwithfriendspod@gmail.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Facebook: http://facebook.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Steve’s Instagram: http://Instagram.com/sambosteve

Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepfer

Paul’s on Instagram: http://Instagram.com/KravMagaChef

Paul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: http://Instagram.com/breakfallstunts

SPONSORS

Stunt Contact

https://stuntcontact.com/

Stunt Access

https://stuntaccess.com/

PRODUCERS

Executive Producers:

Stephen Koepfer

Paul Varacchi

Produced by:

Press Record Studios

-Matthew Kaplowitz

-Richard Butler

-Andrea...

Creating a television show is no easy task. The vast majority of television pilots, even the great ones, do not result in a series being produced. It is a labor of love and dedication to the craft of storytelling. Jamie Kilstein is an actor, comedian, podcaster, jiu-jitsu black belt, creator, and star of Blue Belts, his first scripted television project. In this interview, we dig into Blue Belts, what it took to get the pilot made, where it is going, its autobiographical influences, and the people that went to the mat to bring it to fruition. With heavy doses of straight talk about life, the entertainment business and old school martial arts, our conversation shows how every life lived holds an important story to be told.

Known for his standup on Conan, Showtime, and the BBC, Jamie began his career performing in coffee houses before making his mark at major festivals worldwide. In his early career he was mentored by Robin Williams, who said of him, “Jamie is amazing- he has a spark that energizes my conscience.” In recent years, Jamie pivoted from the world of stand-up into acting and immediately dove into performances on film and stage, immediately booking his first three auditions. With a deep passion for jiu-jitsu and unmatched humor, Jamie uses his experiences to connect with people, sharing both his mistakes and his growth in the process.

MENTIONS:

Jamie Kilstein’s Intagram: http://instagram.com/thejamiekilstein

James Armstrong’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/jamesarmstrongstunts

Marissa Falsone’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/marissa.falsone

Blue Belt’s website: www.bluebeltstv.com

Blue Belt’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36953287/reference/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Film Fights with Friends Winter Mixer, Open Training and Movie Night:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/winter-open-and-138453493

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

Do you listen to our show as an audio podcast? Give video a try. Subscribe to our Youtube for the video version with awesome behind the scenes pics and video! https://www.youtube.com/@FilmFightsFriendsPod?sub_confirmation=1

Dig the show? Consider supporting our Patreon. There are some cool perks! http://patreon.com/FilmFightsFriendsPodcast

Join our e-mail list! Hit us up here: fightingwithfriendspod@gmail.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Facebook: http://facebook.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Steve’s Instagram: http://Instagram.com/sambosteve

Steve’s IMDB:

Hank Bedford is the co-writer and director of Eugene the Marine, a genre-bending horror giallo film starring Scott Glenn, Jim Gaffigan, Shioli Kutsuna and Annette O’Toole. The film premiered at the 2025 Oldenburg International Film Festival to standing ovations and high praise for Scott Glenn’s performance, a performance Glenn has called the best of his career. This is Bedford’s second feature film, his first being the critically acclaimed Dixieland (2015). In this interview we dive deep into the homages and influences that contributed to Eugene the marine and Hank’s career as a filmmaker. During his filmmaking career, Bedford was Director’s Assistant on Bennett Miller’s epic wrestling film Foxcatcher (2015), Bedford himself being a lifelong wrestler. He has also worked on such films as David O. Russell’s The Fighter (2013) starring Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg, as well as Scott Cooper’s Out of the Furnace (2013) also starring Christian Bale.

MENTIONS:

Film Fights With Friends/Breakfall Studios Holiday Work Out, Mixer and Movie Night: https://www.patreon.com/posts/winter-open-and-138453493

Hank Bedford on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2385602/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Eugene the Marine Trailer: https://youtu.be/-gTbjgFzzGk?si=Co9WMlR0uViOYs6w

Eugene the Marine on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21318684/reference/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Hollywood Reporter review: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/eugene-the-marine-review-scott-glenn-1236366572/

Variety covers Eugene the Marine: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/scott-glenn-eugene-the-marine-1236186377/

Film Verdict review: https://thefilmverdict.com/eugene-the-marine/#:~:text=Scott%20Glenn%20is%20the%20heart%20and%20soul%20of,anchored%20around%20the%20performance%20of%20the%20octogenarian%20actor.

Scott Glenn on the Daily Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePpt2IjcIF0

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

Do you listen to our show as an audio podcast? Give video a try. Subscribe to our Youtube for the video version with awesome behind the scenes pics and video! https://www.youtube.com/@FilmFightsFriendsPod?sub_confirmation=1

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Join our e-mail list! Hit us up here: fightingwithfriendspod@gmail.com

Instagram: http://

Clay found his way into unit photography when Zack Snyder gave him a chance to shoot Watchmen. That lucky break has led to nearly 20 years of work, including Sucker Punch (2011), Man of Steel (2013), 300: Rise of an Empire (2014), Suicide Squad (2016), Justice League (2017), A Star is Born (2018), I am the Night (2019), and Rebel Moon Parts One and Two (2023/24). His enthusiasm has never waned. While his credits include big-budget superhero films, he treats every project as a unique opportunity to hone his skills, make friends, and deliver strong images. Of course on Film Fights with Friends, fight scenes are the main course! With that in mind, we start with Clay’s experience shooting the warehouse fight from Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).

MENTIONS:

Clay’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2778230/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Clay’s website: http://clayenos.com

Batman vs Superman Warehouse Fight: https://youtu.be/m7GWGLkPepU?si=lvK6ol3wHZBkas_k

Army of the Dead / American Werewolf in London scene comparison: https://youtu.be/7n6HYMx53zE?si=lt58E6KKJuE9AlJA

Jaws / Brotherhood of the Wolf scene comparison: https://youtu.be/o_-fbIKSSF8?si=85VRft_iYndDcFOE

FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS

Do you listen to our show as an audio podcast? Give video a try. Subscribe to our Youtube for the video version with awesome behind the scenes pics and video! https://www.youtube.com/@FilmFightsFriendsPod?sub_confirmation=1

Dig the show? Consider supporting our Patreon. There are some

cool perks! http://patreon.com/FilmFightsFriendsPodcast

Join our e-mail list! Hit us up here: fightingwithfriendspod@gmail.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Facebook: http://facebook.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod

Steve’s Instagram: Instagram.com/sambosteve

Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepfer

Paul’s on Instagram: http://Instagram.com/KravMagaChef

Paul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: http://Instagram.com/breakfallstunts

OUR SPONSORS

PRODUCERS

Executive Producers:

Stephen Koepfer

Paul Varacchi

Produced by:

Press Record Studios

- Matthew Kaplowitz

- Richard Butler

- Andrea Levine

http://www.pressrecordstudios.com

Video Editor

Matthew Kaplowitz

Original...